Stanley Cup Playoffs First-Round Game 2 Preview: Ottawa Senators (0-1) vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (1-0)

The Ottawa Senators and Toronto Maple Leafs are set to face off in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. The Maple Leafs hold a 1-0 series lead after a 4-2 victory in Game 1.

Game Details

• Date: Tuesday, April 22, 2025
• Time: 7:30 PM ET
• Venue: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto
• TV Broadcast: ESPN2, CBC, SN, TVAS
• Series Status: Maple Leafs lead 1-0

Team Overview & Key Players

Toronto Maple Leafs (No. 1 Seed, 52-26-4 Record)

The Maple Leafs finished the regular season first in the Eastern Conference, securing the Atlantic Division title. They are looking to advance past the first round for the second time in three seasons.

Key Players

• Auston Matthews (C) – Led Toronto with 57 goals and 110 points in the regular season.
• Mitch Marner (RW) – Playmaking specialist; recorded 92 points (28 goals, 64 assists).
• William Nylander (LW) – Scored two goals in Game 1, showcasing his offensive firepower.
• Anthony Stolarz (G) – Expected starter; posted a 2.14 GAA and .926 SV% in the regular season.

Ottawa Senators (Wild Card, 45-30-7 Record)

The Senators clinched a playoff berth for the first time since 2017, marking a significant turnaround for the franchise. They are looking to even the series before heading home to Ottawa.

Key Players

• Brady Tkachuk (LW) – Team captain; recorded 36 goals and 78 points in the regular season.
• Tim Stützle (C) – Dynamic playmaker; posted 84 points (25 goals, 59 assists).
• Claude Giroux (RW) – Veteran presence; contributed two assists in Game 1.
• Linus Ullmark (G) – Expected starter; recorded a 2.72 GAA and .910 SV% in the regular season.

Game 1 Recap

Toronto defeated Ottawa 4-2 in Game 1, with Nylander scoring twice and Matthews adding a goal. The Senators struggled defensively, allowing 35 shots on goal, while Ullmark made 31 saves in the loss.

Game 2 Outlook & Predictions

• Maple Leafs’ Strategy: Toronto will look to control possession and capitalize on power plays, relying on Matthews and Nylander’s offensive firepower.
• Senators’ Adjustments: Ottawa must limit turnovers and stay disciplined defensively to counter Toronto’s aggressive attack.
• X-Factor: Goaltending battle between Ullmark and Stolarz could determine the outcome.

Game Odds

Ottawa Senators                              5.5

Toronto Maple Leafs                      – 184

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, April 21, 2025